Hateruma

Hateruma-class patrol vessel is a class of PL type patrol vessels of the Japan Coast Guard. PL stands for "Patrol vessel Large", and the class name "Hateruma" is named after Hateruma-jima, the southernmost inhabited island of Japan. Aiming at policing of Senkaku Islands, they can be a floating base for smaller patrol crafts or helicopters, so they are called "拠点機能強化型巡視船", Patrol vessel, Sea-basing capability enhanced. The lead ship of the class, Hateruma (PL61), was one of the JCG's vessels involved in the 2010 Senkaku boat collision incident, including Yonakuni (PL63) and Mizuki (PS class), both of which collided with the Chinese fishing trawler Minjinyu 5179 which was then boarded and seized. Ships of this class are equipped with one single-mounted Mk44 Bushmaster II 30mm autocannon with laser-optical fire-control system.